The BBC's controller of drama commissioning, Ben Stephenson, said: "Securing Christopher Eccleston to play John Lennon is further testament to the calibre of drama on BBC4. The 'Women We Loved' season currently on air is attracting record audiences and the channel is steadily building a reputation for portraying some of this country's best-loved icons."

Richard Klein, controller of BBC4, said : "BBC4 is the place where dramas look to explore that space between artists' public works and private lives, shedding light on the artistic process while offering intelligent entertainment."

Lennon Naked was written by Robert Jones, the co-creator of Party Aninals. It is currently being filmed in London by the independent producer Blast! Films and will air next year.